making marketing a business priority
strategize the organization, first, to maximize marketing efforts
smart business savings - employee health
JUN
E 2
012
Volu
me
13, I
ssue
6f o x C i t i e s
www.foxcitieschamber.com
C h a m b e r
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3 President’s perspectiveViews from Chamber President/CEO Shannon Meyer Full
10 new members
13 dePartment updates
14 accolades, advancements, announcements
11 economic development
12 marketing 101
16 business of the month
17 Young Professionals awards
18 membership drive
19 sponsorship thank You
4 if a tree Falls in a Forest...; lisa cruz
6 First organizational strategies, then marketing strategies; dave salzwedel
8 smart savings For Your business - investing in employee Health and well-being
highlights
features
octoberfest Gives back, page 14
every issue
Fox Cities Chamber Business (v 259180). Published monthly by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 125 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911. PH 920-734-7101. web www.foxcitieschamber.com. Periodical postage paid at Appleton, WI. Annual subscription fee to members for Fox Cities Chamber Business is $9 and is included in dues. Publisher: Shannon Meyer Full. Editor: Melody Lane Buller. Design: Coalesce Inc. Printing: Northeast Wisconsin Printing Co. Advertising Sales: Susan Vanden Heuvel, 920-734-7101. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Fox Cities Chamber Business, PO Box 1855, Appleton, WI 54912-1855.
Kim Bassett Heitzmann
Bassett Mechanical
Corey Brumbaugh
Miron Construction
Co, Inc.
Kevin Eismann
Epiphany Law, LLC
Daniel P. Ferris
SECURA Insurance
Jim Gaerthofner
Nordon Business
Environments
Vince Gallucci
Affinity Health System
Sharon Hulce
Employment Resource
Group Inc.
Dennis Jochman
The Bechard Group
Lyssa King
OuterEdge Stage
John Krause
Baker Tilly Virchow
Krause, LLP
Marty Lenss
Outagamie County
Regional Airport
Vic Lutz
McMahon
Bill Mann
ThedaCare
Dr. Susan May
Fox Valley
Technical College
Debra Michiels
Fox Banquets
Rivertyme Catering
John Milanowski
Innovative Machining, Inc.
Bill Mundy
West Business Services
Robert Pedersen
Goodwill NCW
James Rossmeissl
The Boldt Company
Catherine Tierney
Community First
Credit Union
Joan Woldt
Bank First National
Chairman of the Board
Linda Kennedy, Business Lending Group
Chair-Elect
Greg Bell, WHBY
Past Chairman
Jim Rankin, Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation
Secretary/Treasurer
Bruce Zak, JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
Vice Chairman Membership Services
Monica Vomastic, Landmark Staffing Resources
Vice Chairman Economic Development
Kip Golden, Keller Inc.
Vice Chairman Workforce & Leadership Development
Joyce Bytof, Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group
Vice Chairman Government Relations
Robyn Gruner, AT&T
Fox cities board of directors
Publisher: Shannon Meyer Fulleditor: Melody Lane Buller design: Coalesce, Inc.Printing: Northeast Wisconsin Printing Co. advertising sales: Susan Vanden Heuvel, 920-734-7101
this issue Volume 13, Issue 6 | June 2012
First organization strategies; dave salzwedel, page 6
if a tree Falls in a Forest...; lisa cruz, pages 4-5
smart savings For Your business; page 8
1718 E. Wisconsin Ave. Appletton, WI 54911 Phone: 920.735.6777 • Toll Free: 888.563.0400
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Quality printing since 1984
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 3
Marketing….one of the most important
pieces of a successful business but also
one of the most complex. Because the
word marketing is used so often, many
believe it is easy or that they can just
do it themselves. However, recently the
chamber has benefitted from feedback
from many experts in the field of marketing
to assist us with a few things that will truly
help us tell our story, which by the way, is
one thing that we have not done well.
One of the first areas of focus is a
comprehensive marketing plan for
the organization. As the 3rd largest
chamber in the state, we are honored to
represent over 1350 business members.
Our members are our primary audience
and our communication and marketing
strategy with our members needs to have
more substance. Therefore, we have
now designed a plan to encourage more
interaction and engagement with our
members as well as collateral pieces that
better demonstrate the direct benefits of
the chamber.
Our program of work collateral is the first
of the strategies to be fully implemented
and we are hearing rave responses from
our members regarding the convenient
flip-book that highlights all of our
programs and services and truly shows
where members can engage to have the
most impact on their own business, the
organization and the community.
As we are undergoing this comprehensive
plan, one thing is for certain, effective
marketing strategies will make all
the difference to the success of this
organization. I often times hear that the
term marketing is cliché and too many
people believe they are experts in the
field. Actually I believe we need many
experts because marketing is so essential
for our success and the dynamics of
marketing are as diverse as our members.
I encourage all of you to explore the new
tactics on marketing and not be afraid of
the ever-changing climate. After all, you
may be missing some key contacts that will
allow you to really expand and grow your
business.
SHANNON MEYER FULLPRESIDENT/CEO
president’s perspective
effective marketing
strategies will make all the
difference to the success of this organization.
4 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
“if a tree Falls in a Forest and no one is around to Hear it, does it make a sound?”I love this quote because I like to think how it applies to business. If you open your doors for business and no one knows about it, are you still open for business? Of course you are! But if no one knows you opened your doors, you are hurting your chances of success.
Over and over again I hear from new businesses that opened with much fanfare only to let their PR efforts fall by the wayside. As a small business owner myself, I understand how challenging it can be to give time to ongoing public relations efforts, but it is essential that you keep up your efforts, no matter what. If you don’t, it will be that much harder and more expensive to raise awareness from ground zero.
In light of that, here are a few ways to garner ongoing awareness of your business with your target audiences.
In-person networking is critical to your overall business development efforts. Set up a regimented calendar when you are attending events and meeting colleagues or potential clients for coffee/lunch or dinner. No excuses. If you are an introvert and this is an uncomfortable effort for you, challenge yourself and set up small, attainable goals. Your business depends on it. One of the first things I did when we opened was laid out every business card I had, picked up the phone and started dialing.
Take advantage of cyclical calendar events that are particular to your industry. For example, if your business provides tax preparation and filing, your communication efforts could tie into educating your target audience in areas such as new tax laws. In addition, you could reach out to the media and let them know you are available as a resource for any upcoming related stories. Make those cyclical dates work for your awareness efforts.
LISA CRUZRED SHOES PR
featured story
www.craigaugustinephoto.comP. 920.810.2616
Let the images speak for themselves
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 5
Your community relation efforts are also very important to pursue. Find a nonprofit organization you are passionate about and contact them to see how you can help. From committee work to board involvement and service, nonprofit work is rewarding from the connections you make and more importantly, it’s fulfilling to you as a person. All of which makes sound business sense.
And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you to have an engaging online presence. Again, these efforts take time but it’s time well spent in the overall scheme of things. Start small and choose a platform where your audience is already engaged. Make postings a couple times a day but make them relevant, conversational and not a hard business sell.
The best place to start with all of these efforts? Put a plan in place because we all know that once it’s written
down you will have a better chance of success. I recently read that if you write your goal down you increase your odds by 80 percent! Your plan doesn’t have to be long or complicated but it should be clear, concise and innovative. Don’t do what everyone else is doing but make your own success by standing out from others.
And remember, the goal is to have that tree fall within earshot of many.
Put a plan in place because we all know that once it’s written down you will have a better chance of success.
6 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
First organizational strategies; then marketing strategiesIn his book, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People’, author Steven Covey wrote “Habit #3: Put
First Things First”!
Every good marketing company will tell you that
you need to define your marketing strategies
before you develop your marketing plan.
Marketing strategies are indeed important,
however, they are just one part of the complex
nature of a successful business. A well thought
through marketing strategy can be ineffective if the
organization’s strategy supporting it is non-existent
or contrary.
A strategy is defined as a plan of action to achieve
a goal or set of goals. Two of the first strategic
thinkers, nearly 2,500 years ago, were Alexander
the Great and Sun Tsu, author of “The Art of War.”
The foundation of military concepts they laid are
the bedrock of business strategy even today.
a highly effective marketing strategy must be part of an overall organizational strategy that is built on these foundations:
• Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization
• Internal and external factors that inhibit or
facilitate achievement
• Unique core competencies and productive uses
of them
• Linkages for all functional aspects of the
organization (e.g. marketing)
• Clearly defined actions, responsibilities, and
timelines to achieve developed goals
• Ways to measure progress and change the
strategy if necessary
So, what’s the big deal with all this? The big
deal is it is difficult to put together a strategic
marketing plan without first having a well-defined
organizational strategic plan. Businesses today,
even “small” ones, operate in a very complex
environment with demanding government,
demanding workers, demanding customers, and
demanding suppliers.
How do you do it?
Many of the most progressive companies
seek out professionals who use organizational
assessment software that will, figuratively, “x-ray”
the organization based on the best practices of
those that are most successfully managed in the
country. Strategy, design, and culture all need to be
addressed. The results of such an assessment tool
create limitless opportunities for dialogue between
management team members, or the owner and
employees, etc.
The process that is used to analyze the results
of the assessment meet all the bulleted criteria
above and will produce an organization that knows
its future and has a solid plan to achieve it with
accountabilities defined.
Wouldn’t you want your strategic marketing plan to
be based on a solid organizational plan first?
DAVE SALZWEDELGUIDENT BUSINESS
SOLUTIONS, LLC
featured story
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Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 7
8 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
featured story
smart savings For Your business - investing in employee Health and well-being
By becoming a member of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce you have already made one of the smartest decisions for your business. Your Chamber membership gives you access to exclusive partnerships and discounts to help you run your business more efficiently and save money.
Did you know that your business can invest in your employees’ well-being by taking advantage of the Y’s Corporate Partner Wellness Program? Businesses contributing a minimum of $5/per month toward each employee membership will receive a waiver of the employee’s joiner fee and the Y will match half of the contribution up to $10/month.
Corporate Partners also enjoy these benefits:
• One free trial week for employees and their families each year
• Reports showing your employees usage and participation
• Promotional materials provided by the YMCA-email blasts, internal posters, etc.
• Access to all facilities in Wisconsin
• Free on-site health fairs including body fat analysis, blood pressure screenings, and flexibility evaluations
Becoming a Y member means access to: state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff; pools, gyms, track, racquetball courts; free land and water group exercise classes; discounts on daycare, summer day camp, instructional classes, youth fitness classes and sports leagues; personal fitness program and so much more.
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes in the value of offering its employees ways to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being. “Our efforts to minimize health care costs starts with our employees making healthier lifestyle choices today to limit overall health care costs tomorrow,” said Shannon L. Full, President/CEO. The YMCA of the Fox Cities Corporate Wellness Partner Program is a great way to accomplish this.
For more information about the YMCA of the Fox Cities Corporate Wellness Partner Program contact Sue Pawlowski, Community Relations Director, YMCA of the Fox Cities at 886-2124 or [email protected].
Make sure your insurance plan includes Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin• Pediatric specialists and subspecialists from allergy to urology.• Fox Valley’s top-level intensive care nursery.• The only hospital in the region that treats children exclusively
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It’s easy to see why Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin means the best care for kids. And just in case your child ever needs more, we’re your connection to Children’s in Milwaukee, rated one of the best in the nation.
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Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 9
10 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
we welcome new members to the chamberALWAyS iN MoTioN TRUCkiNG, LLCMs. Jessica Owen101 W. Edison Ave. Ste. 205Appleton, WI 54915-1367(888) 788-1734Sponsor: Chris HansonTRANSPORTATION
AVENUE JEWELERSMr. Jason Druxman303 E. College Ave.Appleton, WI 54911-5714(920) 731-4740Sponsor: Joyce Bytof, Robyn GrunerJEWELRYwww.avenuejewelers.com
CoUGhLiN & CoUGhLiN, S.C.Ms. Mary F. Coughlin200 N. Durkee St. Ste 215Appleton, WI 54911-5429(920) 734-2300Sponsor: Ron Zahn / Joanne FischerATTORNEYSwww.coughlinlawsc.com
DAWNoNFiREDawn Nowakowski617 E. Carrington LaneAppleton, WI 54913-7187(920) 419-1599Sponsor: Beth DavisMARKETING
DEBE ChEESECAkE & CATERiNGMs. Debbie Wichman845 Ehlers RoadNeenah, WI 54956-1414(920) 720-5400CATERERSwww.debecheesecake.com
DEWiTT LoNDRE LLCMr. Scott DeWitt1711 W. College Ave.Appleton, WI 54914-4946(920) 740-6660Sponsor: Debra TerryREAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIALwww.dewittlondre.com
DiVERSiFiED iNVESTiGATioNS, LLCMs. Julie RussellPO Box 0562Appleton, WI 54912-0562(920) 886-8160Sponsor: Dennis JochmanINVESTIGATIONS - PRIVATE & SECURITYwww.diinv.com
EMMoNS BUSiNESS iNTERioRSMs. Cheryl Bliss 2142 W. Spencer St.Appleton, WI 54914-4637(920) 738-7500Sponsor: Ron Zahn/Joanne FischerOFFICE FURNITUREwww.ebiweb.com
hARRiSoN PRiNTiNG & PRoMoTioNSMr. Willie Harrison558 Eisenhower Dr. Ste. HKimberly, WI 54936-2145(920) 997-9940Sponsor: Heather Vander HeydenPRINTERS
MARTENSoN & EiSELE, iNC.Mr. Jonathan P. Bartz1377 Midway Rd.PO Box 449Menasha, WI 54952-0449Sponsor: Kip GoldenENGINEERS/SURVEYORS & ARCHITECTSwww.martenson-eisele.com
MED oWL CoNSULTiNGDr. Camille Wissmann,923 W. Windtree Dr.Appleton, WI 54914-7222(920) 268-7350Sponsor: Ron Zahn/Joanne FischerMEDICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT - PHARMACY
NEWPoRT BoARD GRoUPMr. William Heeter3049 Fairwinds Dr.Neenah, WI 54956(920) 778-0001Sponsor: Dave BoardmanBUSINESS CONSULTANTwww.newportboardgroup.com
SPEEDy CLEAN DRAiN & SEWERMr. Bill Peotter1380 Earl St.Menasha, WI 54952-1415(920) 734-4707Sponsor: Les VanOrnum/Heather VanderHeydenSEWER & SEPTIC TANK SERVICESwww.speedycleaninc.com
ThE QTi GRoUPMs. Jennifer Nigl4545 W. College Ave., Ste. 100Appleton, WI 54914(920) 882-0559Sponsor: Dawn NowakowskiSTAFFING SERVICESwww.qtigroup.com
TWiGS & ViNES FLoRALMs. Judy Corrigan3100 N. Richmond St.Appleton, WI 54911-1151(920) 734-2303Sponsor: Joanne Fischer/Ron ZahnFLORISTSwww.tvfloral.com
WiND RiVER FiNANCiALMr. John Mendoza41 Solar CircleAppleton, WI 54915-5840(920) 810-4957Sponsor: Dennis AllarBUSINESS SERVICESwww.windriverfinancial.com
new members
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 11
economic development
horizontal logo
stacked logo
Case Study in Economic Development:
topeka’s Gamble
Topeka was not the most vibrant city in the Midwest. The downtown streets that surrounded the Kansas Capitol building were pocked with empty storefronts, and population growth during the past quarter-century was negligible. But Topeka’s sorry track record created an environment fertile for a bold experimentation. Citizens in 2000 decided to increase the sales tax to pay for infrastructure and economic development. That move has been credited with the creation or retention of about 5,000 central-city jobs. Since then, the tax incentive program has been doubled and extended for 12 more years.
Go Topeka was created as an economic development engine to change the landscape of the Topeka/Shawnee County. Through a process of bringing in new “outside” dollars into the community, a greater wealth and quality of place was established for their current citizens and future generations. Go Topeka achieved this mainly through new capital investment, business creation and recruitment of “primary” jobs, but also in retention and expansion of existing businesses.
Go Topeka and its program for recruitment have been declared a “model for economic development organizations”. Additionally, Go Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development program has been cited as a national model to follow by the Institute for Competitive Workforce. In 2011, Go Topeka’s efforts on behalf of Topeka and Shawnee counties yielded a combined capital investment of $250 million. According to its newest corporate citizen, Mars Chocolate North America, they will have an economic impact of $3.24 billion over the next 10 years and will create 425 new jobs.
Yes, investment in economic development can be daunting, but the pay-off is a better quality of place, a better quality of jobs, and a better quality of long-term diversity. For Topeka, Kansas it was the only course of action that made sense.
Let’s iGNiTE Fox Cities!
12 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored a webcast called Chick-fil-a Leadercast on May 4th. The event was held at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and organized by Fox Valley Workforce Development and SHRM. This event was an all-day live webcast from Atlanta, Georgia of 10 nationally-renowned speakers. The speakers included; Andy Stanley, Soledad O’Brian, Dr. Roland Fryer, Marcus Buckingham, Angela Ahrendts, John Maxwell, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, Dr. Sheena Lyengar and Patrick Lencioni. The topic for the webcast was ‘Choices’ and each speaker presented on how the daily choices we make in our lives will have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. If you were not able to attend the event, here is a snapshot of the key take-aways.
LEADERShiP: Effective leadership was discussed in some capacity by all of the speakers. Each speaker presented on what they thought effective leadership meant. Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry believed that great leadership is recognizing the individual strengths on your team and putting the right people in the right place, at the right time to accomplish great things. Tim Tebow, NFL quarterback said that everyone is a leader whether they know it or not. He believes that leadership is the ability to influence one person, so make sure you are influencing the right attitudes and behaviors.
GoAL SETTiNG: John Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership presented on how to create a personal growth plan. His belief is that the only way you can grow is to do it intentionally, and the secret to success is in the tasks you perform every day. Just like a business plans for growth and success, so too should individuals. Success does not happen by accident.
oRGANizATioNAL hEALTh: There are two things that make an organization successful, smart people and healthy cultures. Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, said he has never seen an organization fail because they don’t have smart enough people; rather organizations fail because their culture is broken. Organizational health is one of the last competitive advantages for companies. If an organization is in great ‘health’ people will be happier, more productive and will stay with the company longer. The way to achieve organization health is through, building a cohesive leadership team, creating clarity around initiatives and vision and continually repeating and reinforcing that vision.
DECiSioN MAkiNG: Decision making is one of the most critical skills leaders can possess according to Andy Stanley, author of Next Generation Leader. His theory is that there is not enough time in the day to accomplish everything we have on our plates. Therefore, it is essential that we understand how to make decisions. Without the ability to prioritize tasks we will always be putting out fires and answering the call of the squeakiest wheel.
This approach teaches others that if they want to get our attention, they simply need to create a crisis and we will respond. Here are the three questions he recommends you ask yourself when making decisions and prioritizing tasks.
1. What would my replacement do?
2. What would a great leader do?
3. What story do I want to tell?
This webcast is scheduled to take place again on May 10, 2013 and will be broadcast from Atlanta. If you are interested in attending a local screening, mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information closer to the event date.
i have yet to be in a game where luck was involved. well-prepared players make plays. i have yet to be in a game where the most prepared team didn’t win.
- Urban Meyer, Head football coach at the Ohio State University
marketing: What Story Do You Want to Tell?
marketing 101
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 13
department updates
• Discussedtheestablishingofasmallbusinessmentoringprogram with committee members calling on small businesses in the Fox Cities Area to ascertain if assistance can be provided
• ViewedapresentationbyLaith Wardi of Executive Pulse, Inc. on an improved version of the Executive Pulse Survey Program
• Continuetodiscusshowtheorganizationcanbestaidthe Fox Cities Economic Development Alliance with the recommendations from the study “Ignite Fox Cities”
• ExploringthecreationofaEB-5RegionalCenterintheFox Cities Area to encourage foreign investment
economic development
• TestifiedbeforetheWisconsinTransportationFinanceand Policy Board in support of legislation that would allow communities in the Fox Cities to create a Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Sales tax revenue generated via the RTA, up to one-half of one percent, would be used to fill a federal revenue hole created when the urbanized Fox Cities area exceeded a population of 200,000. The tax could not be levied without the consent of area taxpayers via a referendum
• MetwithMikeHuebsch,SecretaryoftheWisconsinDepartment of Administration. Secretary Huebsch shared with the Council that the state is on track to finish the biennium with the first budget surplus in a decade
• ParticipatedinaDiversityinPlanningsessionhostedbyEast Central Wisconsin Regional Planning and UW-Fox
Valley at the Bridgewood Hotel and Conference Center in Neenah. The focus of the agenda was to punctuate the importance of communities incorporating diversity into their planning activities
• ContinuesworkonfinalizingtheagendafortheFalledition of the Institute for Political Leadership. The program is helpful for those individuals interested in working behind the scenes on a campaign
• Tookpartinapublicinformationsessionregardingtheproposed improvements for the Tri-County Freeway. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has completed its planning study and is now developing plans to reconstruct and expand approximately six miles of the heavily traveled US 10/WIS 441 Tri-County freeway between Cold Spring Road and Oneida Street
government affairs
• Attendedthefollowingribboncuttings–DRXMedicalExercise&PostRehabInstitute–Menasha,andDentalWorks in the Town of Grand Chute
• PlanningtheBreakfastNetworkingConnectiononJune 28th, another great opportunity to promote your
business and make new contacts. This event is held at the Chamber office at 7:30 a.m. You will have 2 minutes to talk about your business, distribute business cards and brochures. To register, please contact us at 734-7101 orgotoourwebsite–www.foxcitieschamber.com
membership
• Awarded$15,175tolocalorganizationsinitssecondround of giving for this year, totaling more than $31,200 granted so far in 2012. Grants in the most recent round of giving were awarded as follows:
1. $5,000 to Appleton Downtown Inc for their Summer Concert series
2. $1,675 to Appleton Fox Cities Kiwanis for the Appleton Old Car Show
3. $4,000 to the Fox Cities Book Festival for the Tunes & Tales Concert
4. $2,500 to the Friends of the Appleton Fire Department for the refurbishing of an antique fire engine
5. $1,000 to Heckrodt Wetland Reserve for an upcoming exhibit
6. $1,000 to YMCA Fox Cities for their Healthy Kids Day walk
octoberfest
14 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
accoladesKeitH Kiesow, town oF menasHa fire chief, has been
named the recipient of Fox Valley Technical College’s 2012
Outstanding Alumni Award. Kiesow graduated from FVTC
in 1977 with a technical diploma in Auto Mechanics and
in 1995 with an associated degree in Fire Protection. He
also currently teaches in the Fire Protection program at
FVTC as an adjunct instructor and serves on the program’s
advisory committee. The annual award recognizes a FVTC
graduate who has demonstrated the value of technical
education through career advancement, community
service, continued personal and educational growth,
and support of the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Kiesow will receive his award on Sunday, May 13 at FVTC’s
spring commencement ceremony at the Kolf Sports
Center in Oshkosh.
J. J. Keller & associates, inc.® — a leading risk
and regulatory management company employing more
than 1,200 associates — was presented with the coveted
Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) Gold Well
Workplace Award Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the 2nd
Annual Well City Fox Cities Awards Celebration hosted
at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. The
Gold Well Workplace Award recognizes an organization
for its commitment to the health and well-being of its
employees. Organizations must meet seven benchmarks
in order to win a Well Workplace Award from WELCOA
— capture senior level support, create cohesive wellness
teams, collect data to drive health efforts, craft an
operating plan, choose appropriate interventions, create
a supportive environment, and consistently evaluate
outcomes. Organizations that receive Gold designation
have developed comprehensive, strategic wellness
programs that produce quantifiable results as an integral
part of their overall business. Said WELCOA President
david Hunnicutt, “J. J. Keller has created a work
environment that is second to none in terms of morale,
productivity, and health. Quite truly, [J. J. Keller has]
become one of ‘America’s Healthiest Companies.”
advancementstHe Fox cities convention & visitors bureau
has named randY Prasse as its new executive director.
Prasse, a veteran destination marketing executive,
replaces Lynn Peters who announced her plans to depart
from the Bureau in December. His selection is a result
of a comprehensive nationwide search conducted by
the board of directors. “Randy is a great addition to the
Fox Cities CVB team. His professional qualifications,
including his nearly 20 years of successes in Wisconsin’s
tourism industry, speak volumes,” commented cHerYl
ZauG caseY, board chair of the Fox Cities CVB. Zaug
Casey continued. “On behalf of the board of directors,
I’m pleased to welcome him to our forward-looking
organization and region. The Fox Cities Convention
& Visitors Bureau is recognized throughout Wisconsin
and the tourism industry nationally as an innovative and
aggressive marketing organization,” said Prasse. “I intend
to continue the fine work that Lynn Peters and the team
have done over the years to ensure the organization
remains sustainable and, like the region itself, is poised
for future growth.” Prasse has held leadership positions
with Real Racine, the East Town Association in downtown
Milwaukee, and the Tri-County Economic Development
Alliance, a regional economic development alliance,
comprised of 23 communities in northwest Illinois.
cHristine dicKert of Racine will begin full time
employment with stellar blue web desiGn as of
June 4th, 2012. Hired as an Internet Marketing Intern in
December 2011, Dickert will advance to the position of
Sales and Marketing Assistant. In this position Dickert
accolades, advancements and announcements
2401 E. Enterprise AvenueAppleton • 920-882-4070
www.McCarty-Law.com
McCarty Law LLP welcomes Attorney Philip A. Munroe to its Fox Valley practice.
Phil, a resident of Neenah, received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College (A.B.) and earned his law degree at Boston University School of Law (J.D.).
Phil’s practice consists of litigating general civil matters ranging from auto accident cases to contracts to administrative matters, as well as employment discrimination matters and challenges to real estate tax assessments. He also works with financial institutions on loan workouts and collections.
Growing to serve your needs
I. Gregg Curry IV • John J. Russo • Steven J. Cerasoli • Scott C. Barr • Reg P. WydevenRebecca L. Kent • Kristy A. Christensen • Jennifer T. Bania • Michael W. Curry • Philip A. Munroe
Of Counsel: Dennis M. Wydeven • Randall A. Haak • John A. Esler
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 15
will be given a higher level of responsibility in supporting
clients with internet marketing solutions and contributing
to the advancement of Stellar Blue. “Christine’s
enthusiasm for our industry and proactive nature makes
her an excellent fit for the Stellar Blue team,” said
Marketing Director Amanda Betts. “She is a quick learner,
which adds to her already apparent skill set. We look
forward to watching her grow into the full-time position.”
omnni associates is pleased to announce the addition
of JoHn Haese to the OMNNI team. Haese’s role at
OMNNI Associates will be to expand their transportation
client base throughout the state. Haese has over 30
years of experience in highway department operations.
His career included work in Manitowoc, Calumet and
Winnebago Counties and for the past 15 years he was a
Wisconsin County Highway Commissioner. Responsibilities
included the administration and management of
maintenance, construction, and design projects related
to local highway and bridge programs. John earned his
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from
Lakeland College.
announcements20 local a&w® restaurants make commitments to stay true
to founder’s vision. rootY tHe Great root bear™ is
baaack! In a business environment where family-owned
stores are being acquired daily or are put out of business
by national retailers, 20 A&W® restaurants in the Green
Bay and the Fox Valley area, along with restaurant owners
nationally, recently made the decision to divest from
their parent company, YUM! Brands Inc. The move was
done to help A&W owners reconnect with their local
communities in personal ways and position themselves
for continued growth, said barb GretZinGer, co-owner
of the Appleton A&W restaurant with Jim braJdic. “Our
root beer is what made us famous, and we are committed
to continue to serve our local customers well with freshly-
made, creamy and smooth root beer and promotions that
serve our local residents and market,” said Gretzinger.
wisconsin saFetY council is holding several training
sessions in June, 2012. Topics and dates: June 12, 2012
- Job saFetY analYsis (Jsa); June 14, 2012 - saFetY
communication & traininG tecHniques and June
26, 2012 - locKout/taGout, train-tHe-trainer. Call
(800) 236-3400 to register. Be sure to mention that you are
a Fox Cities Chamber member to receive the member
discount. Please register at least 5 business days prior
to course date. To view our full calendar of scheduled
courses, visit http://www.wmc.org/programs/wisconsin-
safety-council/training/course-listing/seminarsbydate/
16 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
CongratulationsSince its inception in 1974, SVA has focused on developing long-standing business relationships. As client businesses and personal interests grew, SVA’s service offerings also multiplied in order to keep up with expanding client requirements.
Now, almost 40 years later, SVA and its affiliates are recognized leaders offering a wide range of professional services including audit and accounting, tax, business information technologies, medical billing and coding, wealth management, trust and estate administration services.
The cornerstone of SVA will always remain the same, providing local services and value to help clients achieve measurable results for their business and personal financial goals.
The SVA companies are comprised of:
• SVA Certified Public Accountants, S.C.
• SVA Healthcare Services, LLC
• SVA MedCode Specialists, LLC
• SVA Plumb Wealth Management, LLC
• SVA Consulting, LLC
• SVA Plumb Trust Company, LLC
• SVA Plumb Retirement Plan Services, LLC
SVA has been recognized in Top 100 Firm lists for Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting, which ranks the top accounting firms in the United States, and attributes its success to their client commitment. Continued focus on client needs and helping them achieve measurable results sets SVA apart from other firms.
SVA is a growing firm to watch as one of its supervisors, Marshall Watry, was nominated for the Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals award in May 2012.
Dean Hunt, business development manager, was named Agency Volunteer of the Year for his work with The Building for Kids Children’s Museum; the award was sponsored by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
With 43 principals and 421 total employees, SVA services more than 14,000 clients generating a annual revenue of $52 million. Full-service locations include: Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton and Rockford, Illinois, as well as specialty offices located in Freeport, Illinois and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
business oF tHe montH | June, 2012sva certiFied Public accountants 4321 WEST COLLEG AVENUE SUITE 300 • APPLETON, WI 54914 • (920) 750-6007
business of the month
DEAN HUNT
JOHAN KNECHT
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 17
young professionals awards
Pulse Young Professionals, a program of the Fox
Cities Chamber along with The Post-Crescent,
honored the top 15 young professionals in the Fox
Cities on May 15, 2012. This, the second year of the
Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals Awards,
was hosted by our partner UW Fox Valley at their
communications arts center. These awards honor
and recognize 15 young professionals who have
taken their career responsibilities and involvement
in the community far beyond set expectations.
These individuals are our future leaders.
Future 15 recipients were chosen based on their
dedication, strong sense of vision for the Fox
Cities and understanding of the importance of
volunteering and giving back. This Future 15 group
truly exemplifies these aspects, and for this reason we are excited about their futures and the future of our community.
This year the award for Young Professional of the Year will be awarded at The Fox Cities Chamber’s annual gala called The Event held in
November. All current and past Future 15 award recipients will be eligible to win this award.
here are the 2012 Fox Cities Future 15
the Fox cities Future 15 Young Professionals awards
Congratulations to all the
Future 15 Candidates for 2012
Ryan Batley, Ground Round Grill & Bar
katie Blom, Epiphany Law, LLC
Bill Bradley, Nicolet National Bank
Angie Ceranski, Wisconsin Timber
Rattlers
Michael Curry, McCarty Law, LLP
Clint Dorn, Chiropractic Health &
Rehabilitation Center
Brandon Dziatkewich, Image Studios
Amy Eckes, Transit Mutual Insurance
Corporation of Wisconsin
Gina Glover, Coalesce
Chad Gruett, Morgan Stanley
Sheena hanson, Uncommon Cents
Investing
katie hietpas, Pfefferle Companies/
Pfefferle Management
Brian hoefs, Associated Bank
Mark ihlenfeldt, Alliance Construction
& Design
Lyssa king, OuterEdge Stage
Stephanie kleman, Associated Bank
Jaime kriewaldt, Boys & Girls Clubs of
the Fox Valley
kirsten krowas, BSI
Anne Lagunes, Emergency Shelter of
the Fox Valley, Inc.
Dustin McClone, McClone Insurance
Group
Casee Meach, Branching Out & Co.
Jamey Milheiser, Fairway Independent
Mortgage Corp
Maria Nelson, Red Shoes PR, Inc.
kole oswald, Valley Packaging
Industries, Inc.
Josh Palubicki, Wisconsin Wireless
Communications
Robert Peterson, Thilmany Papers
Myra Piergrossi, Town of Menasha
Randall Reed, Omni Resources, Inc.
Emma Reiser, Housing Partnership of
the Fox Cities, Inc.
Jonny Richard, New York Life
Megan Rollo, Kobussen Buses, Ltd.
Tracey Saari, Willems Marketing
Eduardo Sanchez, Solea Mexican Grill
karen Schiller, NAMI Fox Valley
Sandy Shultz, Winch Financial
kim Sippola, Outagamie County
Regional Airport
Steve Slocum, Time Warner Cable
Brenton Teeling, Menn Law Firm, Ltd.
Jill Valdez, Fox Valley Workforce
Development Board, Inc.
Chris Van Straten, Baker Tilly Virckow
Krause, LLP
Timothy Vogelsang, First National Bank
Fox Valley
Marshall Watry, SVA Certified Public
Accountants SC
Lisa Werner, Pivot, LLC
Tiffany Wesoloski, Huntley Elementary
Becky Ackermann,XavierHighSchool Brent Buss, The Chiropractic
Advantage LLC
kip Golden, Keller Inc.
Mary Greiner, Schenck SC
Amy henselin, Grant Thornton LLP
Autumn hill, Autumn Hill Creative LLC
Tania kilpatrick, CESA 6
Theresa Lehman, Miron Construction
Co., Inc.
Brian olesen, OMNNI Associates
Stacey Madson, Reuss Forest View
Dental
Tyler Skibba, The Chiropractic
Advantage LLC
Jay Stephany, Goodwill NCW
Anthony Wilhelms, JP Morgan
kristy zach, Time Warner Cable
Anne zeamer, Jewelers Mutual
Insurance Company
18 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
1st Place Membership Drive Team - Joanne Fischer, Telecom Insites & Ron zahn, Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group
2nd Place Membership Drive Team - heather Vander heyden-Wessley, Fox Communities Credit Union & Les Van ornum, Merchants’ Choice Card Services
heather Vander heyden-Wessley - Fox Communities Credit Union; Dennis Jochman - The Bechard Group; Joanne Fischer - Telecom Insites; Ron zahn - Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group; Beth Davis - Community First Credit Union; Dawn Nowakowski–DawnOnFire; Rick Van Beek–PostNet;Les Van ornum - Merchants’ Choice Card Services
membership drive
A Big “Thank You” to our Chamber volunteers from the President’s Club. Our Spring 2012 Membership Drive garnered 40 new members! The following teams were the top sellers in the drive:
1st Place Team: Ron zahn, Coldwell Banker the Real Estate Group & Joanne Fischer,TelecomInsites–11sales
2nd Place Team: heather Vander heyden-Wessley, Fox Communities Credit Union & Les Van ornum, Merchants’ Choice Card Services - 7 sales
3rd Place Team: Dennis Jochman, The Bechard Group & Vivian huth,KampoWarehousing&BuildingSystems–6sales
Largest $ Amount for Single Membership: Beth Davis, Community First Credit Union & Dawn Nowakowski, DawnOnFire
The President’s Club is made up of unique, dedicated chamber members who use their time, talent and treasure in order to increase the footprint of the Chamber business community locally, statewide and nationally. The larger group of businesses the Chamber has, the louder voice it has in economic development, government advocacy and national exposure.
We thank these farsighted individuals who have helped our business community grow and prosper.
Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 19
Thank you for your
support...The Fox Cities Chamber strives to create programs of value available to all our members at the lowest fees possible. To that end,
we acknowledge and thank the many sponsors that enable us to keep providing the services, programs and training our members
expect from us. In June, many local businesses came together to provide the following:
Business Awards Luncheon: Each year, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry honors local businesses that are
changing the growth in the Fox Cities area. The annual business awards luncheon took place at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel on
June 6, 2012.
This year, three new business award categories were included along with the Business of the Year award and the Rising Star award:
Corporate Citizen/Leadership award, Company Innovation award and Exemplary Marketing and/or Performance award. We thank
the Presenting Sponsors:
First National Bank Fox Valley and Schenck SC for making the recognition possible.
Business Expo: 2012 Business Expo was held on June 6 at Radisson Paper Valley Hotel. The Business Expo attracted over 500
attendees who had the opportunity to visit exhibitors and then network in the evening at the Chamber’s monthly Business
Connection rounding out the Business Trifecta. We thank our sponsors listed below who contributed in making this memorable
event successful.
Presenting Sponsor
Premier Sponsors
Contributing Sponsors
sponsorship thank you
20 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012
EVENTS
2012 2012 -- Marketing OpportunitiesMarketing Opportunities
Meet Your Legislators—January Business Connection with elected officials. Averaging 300+ attendees Premier Sponsors: $750 Contributing Sponsors: $500 Future 15 Young Professional Awards Premier Sponsors: $1,000
Golf Outing—August Premier Sponsor: $3,000 Golf Cart Sponsor: $2,000 Golf Lunch Sponsor: $1,500 Golf Reception Sponsor: $1,500 All in One Sponsor: $ 800 Tee or Hole Sponsors: $ 350 Beverage Sponsors: $ 100
Quarterly Business Symposiums Presenting Sponsor: $1,000 per symposium $3,500 for all 4 Career Fair—March Presenting Sponsor: $3,000 Premier Sponsor: $1,000 Contributing Sponsors: $ 500 Small Business Sponsors: $ 250
ANNUAL S IGNATURE EVENTS
The Event—mid-October to early November Annual Meeting averaging 900 attendees Presenting Sponsor: $10,000 Premier Sponsors: $ 5,000 Contributing Sponsors: $ 2,500 Corporate Packages: $ 750
PROGRAMS
Pulse, Young Professionals Network Opportunity to sponsor monthly events ($600), annual CEO Breakfast or Future 15 Awards ($1,500 each).
Pulse CEO Breakfast Presenting Sponsor: $1,500 Leadership Fox Cities LFC Retreat $2,500 LFC Graduation $1,500 LFC Executive Program $1,500 LFC Youth Program $1,500
Opportunity to sponsor monthly events ($600), annual 8 month program or Executive Leadership Program ($1,500 each).
Fox Cities Chamber Business, the Chamber’s monthly print magazine, has 85,580 touches in the business community per issue, reaching business owners, senior level executives, managers, supervisors, sales & marketing and small business owners. Contact Susan Vanden Heuvel for an editorial calendar and rate sheet. Member411, the Chamber’s bi-weekly e-newsletter reaches 3,000 email addresses. Chamber Mobile App $500 for 6 months
ADVERTIS ING
Business Awards—June Presenting Sponsors: $7,500 Premier Sponsors: $1,000
Business Expo—June Together with the Business Awards Program. Presenting Sponsors: $2,500 Premier Sponsors: $1,500 Contributing Sponsors: $ 750
Christa McAuliffe Academy Many opportunities for class, tour or break sponsorships. Contact the Chamber for more information. F.O.C.U.S. / STEM F.O.C.U.S. (fostering our communities understanding of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math) a shared resource and economic system for all things related to STEM in the Fox Cities including mentoring of students in grades 5-9. Please contact the chamber for more information on how you can become involved in the development of our future workforce.
Economic Outlook Breakfast—February Results of the economic outlook survey are presented. Averaging 600+ attendees Presenting Sponsor: $2,500 Premier Sponsors: $1,000 Contributing Sponsors: $ 500
out and about
The Chamber Ambassadors conducted a ribbon cutting with D. Cameron Wygle, DDS and the team at DentalWorks, 4182 W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton at their May Grand Opening.
David Brown, DHSc, MS and his team with Chamber Ambassadors, during the Ribbon Cutting at Grand Opening of DRX Medical Exercise & Post Rehab Institute, 880 S. Oneida St., Menasha.
2012 Plan
ning
Signature Events
Economic Outlook Breakfast Wednesday, 2/1/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton 7:30-9:00 AM $20/individual member; $225/table (10) member price $30/prospective member; $225/table (10) member price
Legislative Dialogue Breakfast Monday, 1/30/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton 7:15-9:00 AM $20/person
Business Awards & Business Expo Wednesday, 6/6/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton Awards Luncheon 11:30 AM—1:30 PM Expo 1:30—5:00 PM Business Connection 5:00—7:00 PM
Signature Symposium Series Wednesday, 2/1/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton 9:00-11:45 AM $45/person
Golf Outing & Big Ball Drop Tuesday, 8/14/12 Butte des Morts Country Club 3600 W. Prospect Ave., Appleton Cost and time to be determined
Future 15 Awards Mid May Details to be determined
The Event ~ Celebrating Business Mid October to early November Details to be determined
Breakfast Networking Connections
January 26 February 23 March 29 April 26 May 31 June 28 July 26 August 30 September 27 October 25 November 29 December—no meeting
Fox Cities Chamber Office 125 N. Superior St., Appleton Last Thursday of the month 7:30-9:00 AM; $2 at the door
Please check the Chamber website foxcitieschamber.com for updated information about each of the event dates, times, locations and costs. You can register directly online.
Wednesday, 2/15/12 Fidelity National Bank 1500 N. Casaloma Dr. , Appleton
Monday, 1/23/12 Meet Your Legislators Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton
Wednesday, 3/14/12 Solea Mexican Grill 1350 Gillingham Rd., Neenah
Wednesday, 4/25/12 Famous Dave’s 1170 N. Westhill Blvd., Appleton
Wednesday, 5/23/12 Waverly Beach N8770 Firelane 1, Menasha
Wednesday, 6/6/12 Part of the Business Expo Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton
Tuesday, 8/21/12 High Cliff Restaurant, Banquets and Catering W5095 Golf Course Rd., Sherwood
Tuesday, 7/17/12 Appleton Yacht Club 1200 S. Lutz Dr., Appleton
Tuesday, 11/6/12 Grand Meridian 2621 N. Oneida St., Appleton
September, October & December Dates & Locations to be determined
Business Connections 5:00-7:00 PM; $2 prior to the event; $4 at the door; $20/prospective member
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Fox Cities Chamber Business
c/o Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.
PO Box 1855
Appleton, WI 54912-1855
f o x C i t i e s C h a m b e r
Post your job openings on Wisconsin TechConnect, your online resource for
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www.fvtc.edu/ses-employers(920) 735-JOBS (5627)[email protected]
Patty Van RyzinVP-Human Resources Bassett Mechanical
Student Employment Services